IMO issues comprehensive survey guidelines under HSSC

The International Maritime Organization has published Assembly Resolution A.1186(33) adopting survey guidelines under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2023.

The resolution was published on 11 December 2023.

These guidelines provide a framework for conducting surveys and inspections of ships to ensure compliance with regulations and requirements related to maritime safety, pollution prevention, and ship certification. ​

The resolution recalls various international conventions and protocols related to maritime safety and pollution prevention, and highlights the need for the Survey Guidelines to be revised to incorporate amendments to these instruments and advancements in technology. ​

The resolution adopts the Survey Guidelines for 2023 and invites governments to apply these guidelines for surveys required by relevant IMO instruments. ​

It also requests the Maritime Safety Committee and the Marine Environment Protection Committee to review and amend the Survey Guidelines as necessary. ​

The document provides detailed guidelines for surveys under various international conventions and codes. ​

The guidelines cover different types of surveys, such as initial surveys, annual surveys, intermediate surveys, periodical surveys, renewal surveys, inspections of the outside of the ship's bottom, and additional surveys. ​

The document also includes amplifications of terms and conditions related to surveys, such as the definition of related items, extending the period of validity of a certificate, inspections of the outside of a passenger ship's bottom, and remote surveys. ​

Two appendices are also attached to this document: Appendix 1 summarizes the amendments to various international conventions and codes, which are reflected in the survey guidelines under the HSSC, and Appendix 2 provides a diagrammatic arrangement of the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC).

For more information, please see the documents below (available only to subscribers):

Survey Guidelines Under the Harmonized System of Survey and Certification (HSSC), 2023